Levetiracetam.

Abstract

Levetiracetam (LEV) is a novel antiepileptic drug (AED) which was discovered in early
1980s and soon, in 1999 FDA approved LEV for the management of partial onset seizure.
In India, LEV tablet was approved in April 2005. It acts by binding to the synaptic
vesicle protein SV2A, which is present on synaptic vesicles and some neuroendocrine
cells. Pharmacokinetics of LEV such as, less protein binding and lack of hepatic metabolism
makes LEV less susceptible to drug interactions with other anticonvulsants. Evidence
also suggests that LEV is much better than other AEDs in the way of broad therapeutic
window, convenient dosing and less adverse effect. Besides the pharmacological effects,
pharmacoeconomically also, LEV is a beneficial drug. All these valuable pharmacological
and pharmacoeconomic aspect makes LEV an important option in management of various
types of epilepsy.